Judges from SLTN, Inverarity Morton and Monkey Shoulder had their work cut out for them last month when SLTN hosted the final of its Spirit of the Sixties cocktail competition.
Six finalists – hailing from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Helensburgh – descended on Glasgow bar Malo to prepare two cocktails apiece: their original entry, which was designed to encapsulate the ‘spirit of the sixties’; and a second cocktail, which was required to contain at least 25ml of Monkey Shoulder Original, Fresh or Smokey and be suitable for preparation in large volumes. Should the bartender win the competition, this second drink would be served at this year’s SLTN Awards in November.
The judging panel included Georgie Jolliffe of sponsor Inverarity Morton, Sarah Berardi of sponsor William Grant & Sons, independent judge Zach Sapato of The Drink Cabinet and SLTN’s Dave Hunter.
After some incredible drinks and much deliberation, the judges took the decision to split the top prize between Glasgow bartenders Mari Chierchia of Daddy Marmalades and Morgan Pyle of Pania.
Mari was awarded for her sixties-themed cocktail, Stop the World, Scotland Wants to Get On, while Morgan’s high-volume cocktail, Sunny Afternoon, was chosen to be served as a welcome drink at the SLTN Awards.
“Inverarity Morton was honoured to support the SLTN’s Spirit of the Sixties competition,” said sponsor judge Georgie Jolliffe.
“The exceptional skill and creativity in Scotland’s bars is unparalleled, and it was truly impressive to witness the six finalists demonstrate their expertise during the final.
“The quality of entries was exceptional, and everyone executed their drink and presentation with incredible artistry. Both Morgan and Mari emerged as deserving winners, and we are eagerly looking forward to sharing Morgan’s winning cocktail with the guests at the SLTN Awards!”
Sarah Berardi of William Grant & Sons said she was ‘incredibly impressed with the calibre of talent and knowledge from the bartenders at the competition’.
“It’s pretty clichéd for judges to say ‘it was incredibly close and difficult for us to choose’ but it was true,” said Sarah.
“All the cocktails were creative and the stories behind them showed the bartenders’ true passion.
“I’m incredibly proud of what Scotland showcased. A major congrats to the two winners, Mari and Morgan, who absolutely blew me away.
“I can’t wait to see all these talented bartenders’ bright futures, and see y’all at the SLTN awards.”
Several of the competitors – including co-winner Mari – were taking part in a competition for the first time, making the high standard even more impressive.
Mari said: “Being my first competition and with all the skilled bartenders attending I didn’t think I’d win at all.
“It was a great experience to overcome my nerves and show off a cocktail I’d been working on to represent the Scottish people. We really have such amazing talent here in Scotland, I’m just proud I got to be a part of that.
“Huge thanks to everyone at SLTN, Inverarity Morton and Monkey Shoulder for putting together a great competition.”
Co-winner Morgan said the competition ‘was a brilliant event from start to finish, and so much fun to be a part of’.
“The talent and passion displayed by all of the finalists was incredible, with everyone showcasing their own personal styles in creative ways; each drink was unique and interesting, and they all left strong impressions that reflected the hard work and inspired effort behind them.
“I’m so grateful to be a part of this community of amazing bartenders here in Scotland, and I’m very excited for people to enjoy my cocktail, Sunny Afternoon, as the welcome drink at the 2024 SLTN Awards!”
SLTN print editor, Dave Hunter, said: “We are so proud of all of our finalists.
“Every one of them put so much thought into their entry, and all of the competitors – several of whom had never competed in a cocktail competition before – did a fantastic job on the day.
“The standard was so high that picking a single winner proved impossible, so we decided to name both Mari and Morgan as our winners.
“The standard of their drinks was unbelievable, both in terms of the flavour and the thinking behind them. They did us, themselves and the Scottish bar scene proud.
“Thanks to everyone that took part in Spirit of the Sixties. It was a blast!”
